Rounding up Lotus Elise owners in NY/NJ metro area
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I'm the regional coordinator of CLub111 for the NERegion. We have a good group of folks that are meeting about once every 6 weeks or so. Our next meeting is going to be at Hunting Ridge Motorsports on Dec. 18th for a holiday party. Join the club and come on by. We will be having some exciting events next year including Lotus Reps coming in to talk with us, Cape Cod runs, Tech sessions at dealers, karting events, etc. PM me or take a look in the "Club111" or "N.E. Region" sections of this web site.
My name is Chris and I am located about 10 minutes from Maplecrest dealer. I am definetly interested in getting together for some sort of run.
BTW, the guys at maplecrest seemed pretty excited about the launch. I bet one of us might have success with them in organizing some sort of tech event.
BTW, the guys at maplecrest seemed pretty excited about the launch. I bet one of us might have success with them in organizing some sort of tech event.
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901 Posts
You guys should contact the Lotus Enthusiasts Orgnaization (LEO) one of Lotus Ltd's affiliate clubs. The are based in the NYC/NJ area. You can find them at
http://www.lotusenthusiasts.org/Home.asp
They have a wide variety of Lotus owners in LEO includsing several Elise owners.
Atwell Haines is the LEO Chief Cook and Bottle Wahser!
Mark Pfeffer - Vice President Lotus Ltd.
http://www.lotusenthusiasts.org/Home.asp
They have a wide variety of Lotus owners in LEO includsing several Elise owners.
Atwell Haines is the LEO Chief Cook and Bottle Wahser!
Mark Pfeffer - Vice President Lotus Ltd.
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7,083 Posts
Re: only Elise?
That said, Club111 was originally presented to Lotus ltd as a application for charter. We were declined based on Lotus Ltd's position that Elise owners should be filed into the existing area clubs. It is clear by the membership on this site, that Elise owners were different from the "traditional" lotus owner. Younger, different income and interests. Now for some of us that isn't true (I own a 1974 Elite as well). But for the most part, the changes that might be required by the local clubs in participation in auto-x events, karting etc., would have been too much. Now that Club111 has been established, we have strived to involve the local Lotus Ltd. organizations. At this point, at least in the northeast region, I think we have begun to establish a good working relationship. I have also done everything in my power to encourage membership to the members in Club111 of both organizations since we really offer owners different advantages and opportunities.
I can't predict how things will be in 10 years but I do see continued cooperation between all the clubs for the benefit of all owners and enthusiasts of the marquee.
I have the utmost respect for Lotus Ltd. They are an established group who have demonstrated a dedication to the marquee year after year and annually organize LOG which is without exception the best lotus owners gathering in the world. Their local clubs including but certainly not limited to PALS, LEO, LOONY, GGLC, Etc., are very well run and have some really great people.kusheen said:
That said, Club111 was originally presented to Lotus ltd as a application for charter. We were declined based on Lotus Ltd's position that Elise owners should be filed into the existing area clubs. It is clear by the membership on this site, that Elise owners were different from the "traditional" lotus owner. Younger, different income and interests. Now for some of us that isn't true (I own a 1974 Elite as well). But for the most part, the changes that might be required by the local clubs in participation in auto-x events, karting etc., would have been too much. Now that Club111 has been established, we have strived to involve the local Lotus Ltd. organizations. At this point, at least in the northeast region, I think we have begun to establish a good working relationship. I have also done everything in my power to encourage membership to the members in Club111 of both organizations since we really offer owners different advantages and opportunities.
I can't predict how things will be in 10 years but I do see continued cooperation between all the clubs for the benefit of all owners and enthusiasts of the marquee.
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9,144 Posts
I've waited for a spot to say this, and it looks like this is a good place.
I joined Lotus Ltd largely to get the Remarque publication. Let me tell you, that rag is nearly worthless to Elise owners. I'm sorry, but the facts are that the Elise is first new launch in the US in a dozen years, and the car that will drive the future of Lotus, especially in the states. If you look at Remarque, you'd have a very difficult time even figuring out the Elise exists. It's almost as if the Remarque is put together by a bunch of Esprit and Elan owners who are worried about their old cars being "overlooked" or "forgotten". I wanted news and bits about the Elise and have gotten few. Even during June-August not much was printed. Hello? The Elise was hitting our shores during these times!!! This is akin to plane builders in the 40s ignoring those newfangled jet engines.
They will not get any more money out of me. And Club 111 is absolutely necessary, as is this website, for Elise owners. The Remarque and Lotus Ltd. are at risk of becoming a group servicing car owners and their cars which are slowly going the way of the buffalo. If the existing Lotus clubs don't embrace new releases from Lotus, they are signing their own death sentences.
I joined Lotus Ltd largely to get the Remarque publication. Let me tell you, that rag is nearly worthless to Elise owners. I'm sorry, but the facts are that the Elise is first new launch in the US in a dozen years, and the car that will drive the future of Lotus, especially in the states. If you look at Remarque, you'd have a very difficult time even figuring out the Elise exists. It's almost as if the Remarque is put together by a bunch of Esprit and Elan owners who are worried about their old cars being "overlooked" or "forgotten". I wanted news and bits about the Elise and have gotten few. Even during June-August not much was printed. Hello? The Elise was hitting our shores during these times!!! This is akin to plane builders in the 40s ignoring those newfangled jet engines.
They will not get any more money out of me. And Club 111 is absolutely necessary, as is this website, for Elise owners. The Remarque and Lotus Ltd. are at risk of becoming a group servicing car owners and their cars which are slowly going the way of the buffalo. If the existing Lotus clubs don't embrace new releases from Lotus, they are signing their own death sentences.
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901 Posts
Surf:
You are more then welcome to submit articles regarding the Elise to ReMarque's editor. Lotus Ltd., like most clubs, is a volunteer group. It's a thankless job, but a dedicated group continously work to improve Lotus Ltd.
I disagree with your assesment about the Elise as there have been a number of CORRECT articles on the Elise. No it's not instantaneous like the web. ReMarque and Lotus Ltd. have never ignored the Elise in fact we dedicated an entire LOG (LOG 24) to it, along with news from Lotus Cars USA long before anyone else knew details. You simply were not a member when we broke the news about the Elise at LOG 22. Also, please keep in mind nearly 45% of the Elise being sold in The USA are going to existing Lotus owners. They want information about all their Lotus cars!
Listen, the contributors to Lotus Ltd. do it voluntarily. As I mentioned we are always in the market for people willing to dedicate the time. If you'd like to help out, feel free to contact me at (314) 889-0572 or [email protected]
Mark Pfeffer - Vice President Lotus Ltd.
You are more then welcome to submit articles regarding the Elise to ReMarque's editor. Lotus Ltd., like most clubs, is a volunteer group. It's a thankless job, but a dedicated group continously work to improve Lotus Ltd.
I disagree with your assesment about the Elise as there have been a number of CORRECT articles on the Elise. No it's not instantaneous like the web. ReMarque and Lotus Ltd. have never ignored the Elise in fact we dedicated an entire LOG (LOG 24) to it, along with news from Lotus Cars USA long before anyone else knew details. You simply were not a member when we broke the news about the Elise at LOG 22. Also, please keep in mind nearly 45% of the Elise being sold in The USA are going to existing Lotus owners. They want information about all their Lotus cars!
Listen, the contributors to Lotus Ltd. do it voluntarily. As I mentioned we are always in the market for people willing to dedicate the time. If you'd like to help out, feel free to contact me at (314) 889-0572 or [email protected]
Mark Pfeffer - Vice President Lotus Ltd.
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9,144 Posts
Mark, I will grant you that I'm a new member since early last spring. However, I've seen little to nothing on the Elise at a time when it should have been front and center. I was DESPERATE for news in April ,May, June and July. I didn't get any. There wasn't even a mention that every car magazine in the land was beating the drum of the Elise. Disappointing.
And I totally disagree with your assumption that 45% of Elise purchasers already have another Lotus. Check this Board out-I'd bet less that 10% of those taking delivery have another Lotus, probably less than 2%. Chris and Robert are two noted exceptions.
Now, given all that, the fact that you are operated by volunteers mutes my complaints a bit. But I still feel like I paid $60 for very little benefit to me. Sorry. If it will help, I WILL INDEED put an article or two together. It would be nice to see something on the greatest sports car in the world in your publication.
And I totally disagree with your assumption that 45% of Elise purchasers already have another Lotus. Check this Board out-I'd bet less that 10% of those taking delivery have another Lotus, probably less than 2%. Chris and Robert are two noted exceptions.
Now, given all that, the fact that you are operated by volunteers mutes my complaints a bit. But I still feel like I paid $60 for very little benefit to me. Sorry. If it will help, I WILL INDEED put an article or two together. It would be nice to see something on the greatest sports car in the world in your publication.
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I got my copy today, and it states that the next edition will give details about the trouble of people getting their Elises and the "shenagans" that some dealers were using to get cars for themselves.
95% of the people that subscribe to Lotus LTD probably dont have Elises, so you cant expect them to write about things that dont concern them at the time. However I found out that So Florida has a Lotus LTD chapter and they are having an event next weekend. So we just have to go to these events and meet other Lotus owners, and then they will become interested in our cars and then we will get more information.
Club 111 will focus only on the Elise which will benefit us if we need specific answers or details about our cars, but it's sort of like eating the same thing for dinner every night. I like learning about other Lotus' and even other brands of cars. Variety is the spice of life.
I was even given an honorary member into another car club that a co-worker is vice president of and invited to some of their events. The CEO of my company even gave me a reserved parking space that are usaully reserved for VPs since he didnt want my car to get dinged in the parking lot- One of his cars is a Maserati. As long as I am hanging with car nuts I am happy
95% of the people that subscribe to Lotus LTD probably dont have Elises, so you cant expect them to write about things that dont concern them at the time. However I found out that So Florida has a Lotus LTD chapter and they are having an event next weekend. So we just have to go to these events and meet other Lotus owners, and then they will become interested in our cars and then we will get more information.
Club 111 will focus only on the Elise which will benefit us if we need specific answers or details about our cars, but it's sort of like eating the same thing for dinner every night. I like learning about other Lotus' and even other brands of cars. Variety is the spice of life.
I was even given an honorary member into another car club that a co-worker is vice president of and invited to some of their events. The CEO of my company even gave me a reserved parking space that are usaully reserved for VPs since he didnt want my car to get dinged in the parking lot- One of his cars is a Maserati. As long as I am hanging with car nuts I am happy
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9,144 Posts
I have a great respect for all models of Loti, but I bought an Elise. Perhaps Lotus Ltd just isn't the club for me. It must be great for the owners of older models. Good for them. It was (so far) a complete waste of my money. Wait, I did get the cool rear window sticker. I liked that.
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901 Posts
Surf:
Straight from Arnie Johnson's mouth before he left Lotus USA. Nearly 45% of Elise are going to existing Lotus owners. Tim Mullen, Dave Nagler, Mike Roberts, Kiyoshi Hamai and many more. But who cares. We just love having the Elise here (FINALLY!)
And I totally disagree with your assumption that 45% of Elise purchasers already have another Lotus. Check this Board out-I'd bet less that 10% of those taking delivery have another Lotus, probably less than 2%. Chris and Robert are two noted exceptions. [/B][/QUOTE]
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How did you pay $60? Membership in Lotus Ltd. is only $35 for new members and annual renewals are $25.
Now, given all that, the fact that you are operated by volunteers mutes my complaints a bit. But I still feel like I paid $60 for very little benefit to me. Sorry. If it will help, I WILL INDEED put an article or two together. It would be nice to see something on the greatest sports car in the world in your publication. [/B][/QUOTE]
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We'd love to have all of the Elise owners with us at Lotus Ltd. and as time passes, Lotus Ltd. will be here. Pleae feel free to write about the Elise. It would be great reading!
XXXOTIC guard your wallet around those Florida Lotus Club guys, especially on that poker run!
Happy Lotusing!
Mark Pfeffer
Straight from Arnie Johnson's mouth before he left Lotus USA. Nearly 45% of Elise are going to existing Lotus owners. Tim Mullen, Dave Nagler, Mike Roberts, Kiyoshi Hamai and many more. But who cares. We just love having the Elise here (FINALLY!)
And I totally disagree with your assumption that 45% of Elise purchasers already have another Lotus. Check this Board out-I'd bet less that 10% of those taking delivery have another Lotus, probably less than 2%. Chris and Robert are two noted exceptions. [/B][/QUOTE]
____________________________________________________
How did you pay $60? Membership in Lotus Ltd. is only $35 for new members and annual renewals are $25.
Now, given all that, the fact that you are operated by volunteers mutes my complaints a bit. But I still feel like I paid $60 for very little benefit to me. Sorry. If it will help, I WILL INDEED put an article or two together. It would be nice to see something on the greatest sports car in the world in your publication. [/B][/QUOTE]
____________________________________________________
We'd love to have all of the Elise owners with us at Lotus Ltd. and as time passes, Lotus Ltd. will be here. Pleae feel free to write about the Elise. It would be great reading!
XXXOTIC guard your wallet around those Florida Lotus Club guys, especially on that poker run!
Happy Lotusing!
Mark Pfeffer
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9,144 Posts
Mark, I must have been wrong about the fee, sorry. However, I stand by my comments on ReMarque. In the last 6 months I could get far more info from nearly any off the shelf car magazine than from ReMarque. That's not right. Perhaps I can be part of the solution. I will look at putting two articles together, one on ownership of the Elise and one on autoxing for a beginner. Maybe one will be worth printing.
I will soon be an Elise owner in NJ, and would like to get together.
I did try to go to
www.club111.com not quite what I thought it was going to be but if you like french!!! :no: ladies that is! :clap:
I did try to go to
www.club111.com not quite what I thought it was going to be but if you like french!!! :no: ladies that is! :clap:
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1,126 Posts
Ok, I had been waiting to send in my dues for Club 111 until I got my car, but now I'm definitely writing a check!! let's keep the new club fun activities coming!!
Chris
Chris
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2,518 Posts
I'm already a member of Lotus Ltd (#28) and have been for over 20 years,I'm also a member of Club 111(dot net,repeat,dot net)and I will soon join LEO,the more the merrier.I've met damn few Lotus people that were less than nice to say the very least.so lets get together:clap: :clap:
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